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Google and Kairos Power Forge Partnership for Small Modular Reactor Deployments

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Google has entered into a significant agreement to purchase energy from small modular reactors (SMRs), paving the way for the first commercial deployment of Kairos Power’s reactor technology by 2030. This collaboration aims to establish a fleet totaling 500 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2035, marking a pivotal moment in the energy landscape.

A Landmark Agreement

Under the recently signed Master Plant Development Agreement, Kairos Power will take the lead in developing, constructing, and operating a series of advanced reactor plants. These plants will supply energy, ancillary services, and environmental attributes to Google through power purchase agreements (PPAs). The strategically located plants will provide clean electricity specifically for Google’s data centers, supporting the company’s ambitious goal of achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy.

This agreement is a historic milestone, as it represents the first corporate contract for multiple deployments of a single advanced reactor design in the United States, according to the involved parties.

Accelerating the Path to Commercialization

Kairos Power employs a rapid iterative development approach coupled with a vertical integration strategy to bring its fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor technology to market efficiently. Earlier this year, site work began at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for a low-power demonstration reactor, Hermes, after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) granted a construction permit in 2023. The Hermes reactor is expected to be operational by 2027. Furthermore, the NRC has completed the final environmental assessment for the next phase: the two-unit Hermes 2 power-producing plant, also planned for Oak Ridge.

According to Kairos Power, this innovative multi-plant agreement with Google will bolster technology development by extending its iterative demonstration strategy throughout its initial commercial deployments. Each new plant will build upon progress from earlier versions, allowing for continued learning and optimization to expedite commercialization. The agreement also includes milestone-based accountability, instilling confidence in Kairos Power’s capacity to deliver results throughout their long-term partnership.

A Vision for Sustainable Energy

“Our partnership with Google will enable Kairos Power to quickly advance down the learning curve as we drive toward cost and schedule certainty for our commercial product,” stated Mike Laufer, CEO and co-founder of Kairos Power. “By collaborating in the development phase, Google is more than just a customer; they are a partner who deeply understands our innovative approach and the potential it can deliver.”

Google aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire operations and value chain by 2030. Earlier this year, the company, alongside Microsoft and steel manufacturer Nucor, announced initiatives to develop new business models and aggregate demand for advanced clean electricity technologies, including advanced nuclear energy. They issued a Request for Information to identify specific projects for engagement.

A Complementary Energy Source

The generation capacity that will be developed through the multi-plant agreement with Kairos Power will enhance Google’s existing renewable energy portfolio while aiding in the pursuit of its 24/7 carbon-free energy and net-zero emissions goals.

“This landmark announcement will accelerate the transition to clean energy as Google and Kairos Power look to add 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids,” remarked Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director of Energy and Climate. “This agreement is a crucial part of our effort to commercialize and scale the advanced energy technologies needed to achieve our net-zero and 24/7 carbon-free energy goals, ensuring that more communities benefit from clean and affordable power in the future.”

Google has long been at the forefront of corporate renewable energy purchases, pioneering agreements over a decade ago that have accelerated clean energy solutions. Terrell emphasized the importance of this agreement with Kairos Power, highlighting the increasing demand for reliable, carbon-free energy to support emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Supporting Reactor Deployment

“By procuring electricity from multiple reactors, we will help accelerate the repeated reactor deployments needed to lower costs and bring Kairos Power’s technology to market more quickly. This is integral to our strategy of scaling the benefits of advanced technologies for more communities,” he noted.

The partnership aims to advance a diverse portfolio of advanced clean electricity technologies, ensuring new 24/7 clean and affordable energy is available on every grid where Google operates.

Understanding Molten Salt Reactors

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) utilize molten fluoride salts as primary coolant, operating at low pressure. Some designs, such as Kairos Power’s KP-FHR, employ solid fuel, while others utilize fuel salts where nuclear fuel is dissolved in the coolant.

The KP-FHR reactor will feature fully ceramic TRISO (tri-structural isotropic) pebble-type fuel. The Hermes and Hermes 2 demonstration plants will each consist of units with a thermal capacity of 35 MW, powering a common turbine generator set to produce about 20 megawatts electric (MWe).

Kairos Power envisions its commercial KP-FHR offering as dual-unit plants, featuring two 75 MWe units for a total output of 150 MWe.

The Future of SMRs

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are defined as nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MWe, designed with modular technology to facilitate factory fabrication, achieve economies of series production, and ensure shorter construction times. MSRs represent one of the four main types of SMRs currently under development, highlighting the potential of advanced nuclear technology in the global energy landscape.

Through its partnership with Kairos Power, Google is taking a significant step towards enhancing its energy sustainability while promoting the advancement of innovative nuclear technologies. This agreement underscores the importance of collaboration between tech giants and energy innovators in the quest for a cleaner, more sustainable future.